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None of us want to know about them. None of us want to know that such things happen. We would rather envelop ourselves in the safe, secure cocoon of our homes and pretend that such things don't exist. It takes tremendous courage and compassion to break off the shackles of indifference which many of us are inextricably caught in. One man who has this courage and compassion is Vidyakar, the founder of UDAVUM KARANGAL (Helping Hands).
Udavum Karangal(UK), started a decade ago, is a voluntary organisation based in Madras, Tamil Nadu, and registered with the Government of India. UK is a shelter for orphans, the dying and destitute, the physically and mentally handicapped, and the victims of sexual abuse. More than 500 such hapless people find a home in UK's 8 centres -- Thyagam, Karunalayam, Shantivanam, Adaikalam, Shrama and USHA sewing school, Sumaithangi, UK Prints, and Ambulance service. Vidyakar, along with a dedicated and selfless band of volunteers trained in social work, runs the home. The organisation is supported only by public donations. The volunteers have to run from pillar to post to meet the daily expenses of the various homes, often having to gather from busy streets, railway stations, bus-stands etc. Appeals are also made to schools, colleges, banks and charitable associations. There is NO government or foreign aid. As UK is a wholly secular organisation, it doesn't accept religious donations. The only religion here is love and understanding.
Through his selfless service Vidyakar has achieved a lot of recognition for UK and has received close to 15 international and national awards. Almost all national and some international news-magazines have taken note of his efforts and carried stories on him.
We, a group of students from IIT Madras, visited some homes of UK. While we were greatly impressed by their total dedication and excellent services, we were quite saddened to witness the unimaginably appalling living conditions there. Some of the centres do not have even electricity and regular water supply. The inmates do not have proper clothing despite the best efforts of Vidyakar, whom they fondly call "APPA" [father].
It is obvious to us, as it must by now be to you, that the donations being currently received are grossly inadequate. UK requires many more such acts of benevolence so that its inmates can be provided with the basic amenities essential for life.
Love comes for free, they say, but care costs money. On behalf of UK, we the students of IIT Madras, would like to exhort you to donate whatever you can - money, clothes, toys, books, utensils (both old and new), medicines, etc. Your donations can be monthly too. You can also place orders at their printing and training centres for any publishing workthat you may have. There are many schemes like 'sponsoring of children', etc., the details of which can be had from UK. All donations made to UK are exempt from Income Tax under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Everything will be accepted with gratitude: nothing is unwelcome.
UDAVUM KARANGAL (R),
* PLEASE HELP US INFUSE LIFE INTO THEIR SOLITARY EXISTENCE *